Determine the Type of Contractor License You Need

In the state of West Virginia, work performed under $2,500 (materials and labor, total contract) does not require a contractor license. However:

Electrical Contractor’s License - if a project exceeds $1,000.

Note: The only reciprocity agreements in the state of West Virginia are with North Carolina and Ohio for Master Electricians only.

Plumbing Contractors License - all plumbing work requires one of three licenses:

Master plumber - available with 12,000 hours of plumbing work experience and competence to design plumbing systems. Must be capable of instructing and supervising journeyman plumber trainees.

Journeyman plumber - available with 8,000 hours of plumbing/related experience and the competence to instruct and supervise trainees.

Plumber in training - for those beginning a plumbing career with fewer than 8,000 hours of experience.

Note: Plumbing work performed over the amount of $2500.00 (total contract, not just the plumbing work) requires the individual/company to obtain a plumbing Contractor’s License.

Piping License - if you do work related to the installation of:

chemical or other kinds of piping, air, oil, liquid petroleum

boilers/pressure vessels using joining methods of thread, weld or other methods

HVAC Contractor's License - required when the project exceeds $1,000.

General Building Contractor’s License - required in the state when the project exceeds $1,000.

Multifamily Building License - required when the project exceeds $1,000.

Residential Contractors License - a person working in construction, repair or improvement of real property used as, or intended to be used for, residential property. License is required when the project exceeds $1,000.

Pass Your Examination

Electrical Contractor

The exam is based on the current National Electric Code Book, which is available for purchase at any electrical supply store.

You will receive a written notification of acceptance or denial within 14 days of application.

A passing exam score is 80% or higher.

Proof of experience is required, dependent on the type of license exam you are applying for:

Master electrician - you must present proof of 5 years (10,000 hours) of experience, which should include residential, commercial and industrial work.

Journeyman electrician - you must present either proof of 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience, a completed apprenticeship program approved by the US Dept of Labor, or a completed vocational course approved by the WV Dept of Education of no less than 1,080 hours. A copy of your certificate of completion of your apprenticeship or vocational program is also required.

Specialty Electrician - 2 years (4,000 hours) of experience in the specialty area that you will be testing for, one of which may be obtained through an approved educational course.

Note: For more information you can contact the Fire Marshal at (304) 558-2191

Plumbing Contractor

The State of West Virginia has delegated the development and administer of the certification examination program for plumbers to Prov, Inc.

Contact the Contractor’s Licensing office to confirm which tests you need to take. Both computer-based tests and traditional paper/pencil tests are available.

Technicians are required to present proof of 2,000 hours of experience and/or training on HVAC systems, and at least 6,000 hours of experience and/or training in HVAC systems and related work (which includes other sheet metal industry tasks)

You must submit a list of employers or customers for whom you performed HVAC work

5

Submit Your West Virginia Contractor License Application

How to fill out your application

Read each question carefully and print or type your responses in a legible manner. Failure to fully answer all questions will be sufficient grounds for rejection of the application / affidavit.

Note: Submit the exam fee along with the application. Be advised that the Office of the State Fire Marshal is unable to accept debit or credit cards at this time. Remitted checks that are returned as “insufficient funds” are subject to penalty as allowed by WV State Code.

Plumbers:

Master license application fee - $75.00

Journeyman license application fee - $75.00

Plumber in Training license application fee - $50.00

Examination fee - $42.00

Note: Мake cashier’s check or money order for exam fees payable to the testing agent. (No personal checks, company checks or cash)

Obtain Your West Virginia Contractor License Bond

In West Virginia, surety bonds are required for contractor’s licenses and registrations if the applicant is engaged in construction, mining, or the transportation of minerals. The bonds are filed with the agency that handles the particular registration.

Get Your Free Bond Quote

Get Your Free Bond Quote

Get a FREE Contractor License Bond Quote Today

How Long Does the Licensing Process Take?

Processing time varies by agency. Once the application is received in a licensing office, licenses are typically issued within ten to fifteen working days via mail. If a completed application is brought to the office, same day processing is possible.

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